How to protect your pets from common home hazards

Leigh-Anne works full time in communications but in her spare time is a freelance writer who covers just about every subject under the sun from celebrity babies to Zumba classes. A self-confessed chocoholic, extremely uncoordinated, real...

Avoid a doggone cat-astrophe

When a toddler running around the house, we are pretty quick to take the necessary precautions to make sure everything is kiddie-proof, and do our best to avoid any hazards that might be harmful to a child. We don't tend to take the same care when it comes to out pets, even though they are members of our family. Here are some common home hazards you need to check for if you have animals.

Avoid a doggone cat-astrophe

When a toddler is running around the house, we are pretty quick to take the necessary precautions to make sure everything is kiddie-proof, and we do our best to avoid any hazards that might be harmful to a child. We don't tend to take the same care when it comes to out pets, even though they are members of our family. Here are some common home hazards you need to check for if you have animals.

Human food

When your Golden Retriever is gazing up at you with those big brown eyes as you're scoffing your face with chocolate, it can be tempting to give in. After all who can resist a cute face? But did you know that human food can be toxic for your furry friend? Foods your pets should not be ingesting include:

Chocolate

Onions

Garlic

Products containing onion or garlic powder

Tomatoes (especially for cats)

Macadamia nuts

Raisins

Grapes

Caffeine

Avocado

The leftover fat from steak, roasts and corned silverside can lead to your pet developing pancreatitis. Also avoid giving your pets cooked bones as they can splinter inside and cause obstructions which can lead to a very expensive vet bill and they can also be fatal.

Pet and human medication

While you might take Paracetamol for headaches, this over the counter medication is extremely toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Even flea treatments for dogs are made from chemicals which are extremely poisonous for cats. You wouldn't leave medication out for your toddler to get hold of so make sure you take the same precautions with your furry babies. If you need to administer vet medication to your animals, always follow the instructions because some medicines can have nasty side effects if you give the incorrect dosage.

Aloe vera might be great for burns but if your pet eats it, it may experience depression, nausea, the runs and anorexia. Check with your vet for a comprehensive list of common plants to avoid in your garden.

Trees with fruit stones, berries or seeds may be ingested by your dog or cat and can lead to blockages and obstructions.

Fertiliser might be great for your garden but not for your dog or cat. Dogs that scoff blood and bone fertiliser can experience stomach upsets with vomiting or even constipation and it may lead to pancreatitis. Some fertilisers contain toxic fungi and bacteria; others can corrode the inside of the stomach and cause ulcers. The RSPCA Australia suggests if you suspect your dog or cat has eaten fertiliser, you should contact your vet immediately. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Other household items which could cause intestinal blockages if left lying around include:

Dental floss

Shoelaces

Hair ties

String

Toothpaste

Pantyhose

Socks

Rubber bands

It only takes a few extra minutes of your time and a little bit of care to take these extra precautions. They can't look after themselves, so as a pet owner, it's your responsibility to do it for them.